Outdoor Adventures in Sorrento

Perched on a cliff above a sun-drenched bay, Sorrento might lack sandy beaches, but its abundance of other outdoor offerings make up for it. The city is a great base for heading out on adventures, both on and off the water—here are your options.

Hiking

By day, strolling a traditional lemon farm to taste local products is a popular outing, while late afternoon hikes to scenic points in the region offer stellar sunset views. Travelers can also take a casual trek through the orchard-dotted volcanic hills around Sorrento, or embark on one of Italy's most beautiful hikes, the Path of the Gods, which connects many Amalfi Coast villages. Another longer hike winds through the Lattari Mountains to the peak of Faito Mountain, where hikers are rewarded with a panorama of the coast extending from Cilento to Vesuvio.

Boat Trips

The views of the Amalfi Coast are stellar from shore, but they're even better from the water. Boat trips from Sorrento hug the coast, with plenty of stops for swimming and snorkeling in the azure waters. It's also possible to combine a boat trip with a visit to Positano, Pompeii or Capri.

Fishing

Get out on the water by hopping aboard a motor boat or catamaran for a day of fishing in the Gulf of Naples or the Gulf of Salerno. Local fishermen will help you hone your technique, and if you're lucky, you'll have a fresh catch to enjoy for dinner upon return to shore.

Day Trips

Some of the region's best outdoor activities lie a bit further afield. Travelers have the option to spend time in Capri, accessible via a jetfoil from Sorrento, or head southeast along the scenic coastline on a day trip to explore the beautiful Emerald Grotto (Grotta dello Smeraldo), an underground cavern known for its translucent turquoise waters and dripping limestone formations. Mt Vesuvius, one of the world's most famous volcanoes (the only active one in mainland Europe), can also be visited on a half-day excursion. After a short walk to the crater's edge, peer down into the still-smoking volcano that buried the region in 79 AD.